Home decluttering and organizing
Help households sort, declutter and set up storage systems in their kitchens, closets, garages and home offices.
- C$300-2k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
You visit clients' homes and work alongside them to sort belongings, decide what to keep, donate or recycle, and set up simple systems that are easy to maintain. Typical jobs include closets, pantries, garages, basements, playrooms and home offices.
Your first three steps
- Organize a few spaces for friends or family and take before and after photos for a simple portfolio
- Set an hourly rate by checking what local organizers charge, then list your services on a basic website and local social media groups
- Arrange commercial general liability insurance and tell nearby realtors, movers and seniors' services that you are taking clients
Who pays
Busy families, people downsizing or moving, older adults and their relatives, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
How it makes money
Hourly rate or a fixed price per project. Some organizers add paid shopping for storage products, or sell packages of several sessions.
Skills that help
- Organizing and problem solving
- Patient, non-judgmental communication
- Planning and time management
- Trustworthy and discreet
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, since you work in clients' homes and handle their belongings
- Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed
- Register as a sole proprietor with your province and check when you must register for GST/HST
- Lifting and long days on your feet, and have a plan for where donated items and waste will go
- Clients with hoarding or health-related issues may need specialist support, so know when to refer them on
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: home decluttering and organizing
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a decluttering business?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $300 to $2,000, depending on the supplies, insurance and marketing you choose. Because you work in clients' homes, commercial general liability insurance is worth budgeting for.
How much can a professional organizer earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $600 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and what you charge. You might start part-time, with estimates suggesting at least about six hours a week.
What should I check before starting a home organizing business in Canada?
Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence is needed. Check how to register as a sole proprietor in your province and when you must register for GST/HST. Arrange commercial general liability insurance, and plan where donated items and waste will go.
Other ways to run this business
Moving and downsizing organizer
Help people sort, pack and set up a new home when they move or downsize, working with realtors and families.
- C$500-3k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Virtual organizing coach
Coach clients over video call to declutter and organize their own spaces, from your home office.
- C$100-800
- Side hustle
- Online
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